IO NSBiH rejects all accusations: Halep and other malcontents want to create chaos

A session of the Executive Board of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina was held in Sarajevo, attended by Thierry Favre, head of UEFA's National Associations Development Department. The session discussed the current situation in the work of the FA BiH, analyzed UEFA projects implemented by the FA BiH in the previous period, and considered the possibility of continued cooperation and assistance from UEFA to the Football Association of BiH in the coming period.

The UEFA representative and members of the EB FA BiH expressed satisfaction with the cooperation so far, particularly emphasizing that the financial implementation assessment of FA BiH projects is exceptionally good. Accordingly, readiness for further cooperation was expressed, which will enable the Football Association of BiH to obtain new UEFA projects, with the aim of continuing the development and improvement of football in BiH.

Therefore, the members of the EB FA BiH expressed unity and determination to continue the work of the Association as an organization with a clear work plan, vision, and goals necessary for the implementation of these projects.

The EB FA BiH confirmed that all decisions will continue to be made legitimately, in accordance with the competencies defined by FIFA and UEFA regulations and the laws of BiH, and in accordance with FA BiH procedures based on analyses, reports, opinions, conclusions, and proposals of relevant bodies and advisory organs of the Association. This approach was verified by the General Assembly of FA BiH through the adoption of reports on the work of previous years and work plans for the upcoming period.

The current Executive Board of FA BiH, since its election in December 2012, with the support of the administration, has enabled the FA BiH to operate positively, creating conditions for the functioning of all selections. Measures implemented on the organizational and financial level have enabled notable competitive results, the best so far in the history of football in BiH. A number of infrastructure and social projects have also been realized, with full social responsibility expressed.

In the implementation of new projects, the members of the EB FA BiH will persist in their efforts to ensure that the work of this body is fully aligned with FIFA and UEFA rules. They are aware that FIFA and UEFA regularly monitor the work of FA BiH, providing it with maximum assistance and support. The correctness of this commitment of the EB FA BiH in the previous period was manifested through continuous investments by FIFA and UEFA for the development of football in BiH, but also through the trust that these two organizations have repeatedly shown to the leadership of the Association.

However, despite the progress of FA BiH in the organizational part, recently, several dissatisfied individuals have been creating non-existent scandals in public and trying to nullify positive results. Their dissatisfaction particularly culminated after the World Cup in Brazil, which was also aided by the recent results of the BiH national football team, which were not at the level expected by the public.

The main actor is former member of the Executive Board of FA BiH Amer Halep, who was suspended due to disciplinary violations in his capacity as former vice-president of the cantonal association (FA SBK Travnik), and later punished with a ban from holding office (total of 33 months) due to constantly disseminating misinformation to the public and undermining the current leadership.

Several individuals, led by Halep, want not only to damage the positive image that FA BiH has in the BiH public, but also, by filing false criminal reports with investigative authorities against the highest officials of the Association, due to alleged financial irregularities in organizing participation in the World Cup, they attempt to carry out their personal vendettas and divert attention from the real results achieved by the FA in the previous period.

Therefore, the Executive Board decisively rejects all insinuations and misinformation. We are ready to use all institutional and legal rights, including lawsuits, and initiate proceedings before competent authorities against false accusations and harassment.

We have nothing to hide, everything has been done transparently and responsibly in accordance with the law. The money entrusted to us by international football associations has been spent in accordance with their rules. Reports have been accepted, and we have been invited to participate in new projects. Therefore, we will not allow someone's malicious intentions, especially from people who have been suspended due to manipulations in their work, to hinder us, and we hereby state that we will now more decisively oppose all attempts at discreditation.

The Executive Board of FA BiH supports the activities of law enforcement authorities, and will, as before, act according to their instructions, presenting all relevant information and facts. All the more so because FA BiH will not abandon the course of transparent and legal operations. By all means at its disposal, the FA will defend this principle in its work, but will also unconditionally and without delay take all legally permitted measures to fully protect its rights and interests through the institutions of the system.